stephen forgives his accusers as they stone him

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Lesson 12 Preschool/Ages 3 & 4 Spring Quarter

Lesson 12

Stephen Forgives His Accusers as They Stone Him Acts 6:8–7:60

�Bible Point We’re brave for Jesus.

Key Verse“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Weaving Faith Into Life Children will be brave.

Y our preschoolers won’t understand the finality of Stephen’s death or the idea of martyrdom. However, they’ll understand that Stephen acted bravely and

continued to tell others about Jesus even when they threatened to hurt him. As you help preschoolers learn about Stephen, emphasize how important it is to be brave for Jesus.

LESSON WHAT CHILDREN DO SUPPLIES EASY PREP

1

Getting Startedabout 5 min.

Welcome and CelebrateWelcome each other, and praise God through music.

CD playerTeacher Pack: CD

2

Key Verse Activityabout 10 min.

Teaching Bravely Tell about things they’re scared of.

Bible

3

Bible Exploration

about 15 min.

Puppy PointersHear why Theo has a megaphone.

CD player, Theo puppet, scissors, tape Teacher Pack: CD, megaphone

Assemble the megaphone, and tape it to Theo’s paw (also see Center 3).

Bible Time: Truth That HurtsFind and color parts of the My Bible Hugs page as they hear about Stephen.

Bible, My Bible Hugs, crayons, CD player Teacher Pack: CD

Remove the Lesson 12 pages from each My Bible Hugs student book, and write children’s names on them.

Lesson 12 Preschool/Ages 3 & 4Spring Quarter

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LESSON WHAT CHILDREN DO SUPPLIES EASY PREP

4

Weaving Faith

Into Lifeabout 20 min.

(Choose 2 centers.)

Center 1: Invitation CelebrationDraw pictures of themselves, and decorate invitations.

1 envelope per child, pen, crayons, craft supplies TeacherPack:invitation

Complete the general information on the invitation, but don’t fill in the children’s names. Make enough copies for each child to have one.

Center 2: Bravery SnacksCreate megaphones from tortillas.

1 flour tortilla and 1 small cup per child, apple butter, antibacterial gel (optional)

Center 3: Jesus Parade Participate in a Jesus parade.

CD player Teacher Pack: CD, megaphone

Before assembling the megaphone for the “Puppy Pointers” activity, copy the page. Then make 1 megaphone per child.

Center 4: Bravery ChallengeShow they’re brave by trying a few challenges.

5

Lasting Impressions

about 10 min.

Daily ChallengesChoose a Daily Challenge to apply God’s Word.

My Bible Hugs

Action PrayerPray about being brave for Jesus.

Weaving Faith at HomeTalk about how to share what they learned with their families.

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Stephen Forgives His Accusers as They Stone HimActs 6:8–7:60 BIBLe BACKGROUND

FOR LEADERS

The Church Grows

With the growth in the church came problems, and Stephen was one of the people who stepped in to help. Stephen was chosen as one of seven who would help administer the distribution of food so that no one would be left out. They weren’t chosen because of their administrative skills, but because of their wisdom. Stephen specifically was said to be “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5).

Stephen Acts Boldly

Stephen did far more than administer food distribution. He’s the first person who wasn’t an apostle to be mentioned in Acts as performing a miracle. And he boldly spoke about Jesus. In Acts 6:9-14, his opponents were so frustrated by the power and wisdom of his speaking that they decided to drum up false accusations against him.

Stephen’s eloquent speech before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7 was no doubt intended to bring repentance on the part of the Jewish leaders. But the Jewish leaders responded with resentment and anger rather than repentance.

Saul Hears the Truth

As people picked up stones to execute Stephen, they placed their clothing at the feet of Saul—later known as the Apostle Paul. We don’t know exactly what role Saul played, but some feel he was the authority presiding over Stephen’s death. Whatever his role, he must have heard Stephen’s speech.

Stephen Ends Well

As Stephen was being slowly and painfully executed, he twice spoke words similar to what Jesus said on

the cross. First, Stephen offered his spirit to Jesus, as Jesus had offered his spirit to the Father (Acts 7:59; Luke 23:46). Then he sought forgiveness for his accusers and killers, again following Jesus’ example (Acts 7:60; Luke 23:34).

The Jesus Connection

A growing relationship with Jesus produces faith and courage in the heart and life of a Christian. This courage allows us to speak the truth in the face of danger.

You may never be called upon to die for telling the truth about Jesus, but Christians have died—and continue to suffer and die—because of their faith and commitment to truth. What have you already endured because of your faith? What things seem scary to endure? What fears are holding you back from fully standing up for Jesus? Ask God to take away your fears and help you stand up as boldly as Stephen. You can write your prayer here.


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GETTING STARTED

Welcome and Celebrate

Tip Consistently use the same signal to announce a transition to the next activity. You could flip the lights off and on, use a train whistle, have a puppet rustling inside a bag, or sing cleanup songs. Keep it simple, consistent, and fun.

What You’ll Do As the children arrive, greet each one with a smile. When it’s time to begin, use your signal to gather the children together in a circle on the floor.

Lead children in singing “The Happy Song” (track 10 on the CD) to the tune of “Boom, Boom, Ain’t It Great to Be Crazy?’’ Encourage children to follow the motions in parentheses.

Hello, my friends—are you happy? (put index fingers to cheeks and smile)Hello, my friends—let’s have some fun! (clap hands)We’ll sing and play games and praise our God! (hold hands out and wiggle your

fingers)Hello, my friends—are you happy? (put index fingers to cheeks and smile)(Repeat 2x.)

Say: Thanks for joining us today! Let’s sing about why we’re at church.

Sing “We’re at Church” (track 17 on the CD) to the tune of “This Old Man.” Encourage children to follow the motions in parentheses.

We’re at church. (make a steeple with hands)We’re at church. (make a steeple with hands)To worship God and learn his Word. (make a book with hands)With a prayer and a song and a Bible story, too. (make prayer hands)God loves me and God loves you. (hug self; then point to others)(Repeat 3x.)

Talk With Kids Say: I’m glad you’re all here today. Being at church helps me remember that Jesus is with us. And that’s why WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS.

Welcome and CelebrateSupplies

CD player Teacher Pack CD: “The Happy Song” (track 10), “We’re at Church” (track 17)

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2 KEY VERSE ACTIVITY

Teaching Bravely

What You’ll Do Have the children sit in a circle. Open your Bible to Matthew 28:19-20, and show children the words.

Say: Our Key Verse from the Bible says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’’ That means we can teach the world about Jesus. Let’s say that together. Lead the children in saying the simplified Key Verse with you: We can teach the world about Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).

Say: Today we’ll hear about a man who wanted to teach others about Jesus. And he was very brave when he taught about Jesus because some people didn’t like it. But he kept teaching even when people were mean and did bad things to him. That must’ve been scary. What are some things you’re scared of? Allow several kids to answer. Then say: Those are all scary things! But I bet you can be brave if you face any of them because Jesus is always with you!

Talk With Kids Lead children in this discussion.

Ask: n Tell about a time you were brave. n What can you do to be brave for Jesus?

Say: Everyone is scared of something. But we don’t have to be scared because we know Jesus is always with us. Today we’ll hear about a man who was brave to tell about Jesus, even when people were mean to him. WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS, too.

3 BIBLE EXPLORATION

Puppy Pointers

What You’ll Do Say: Listen everyone, Theo’s coming! He has something to show us. Let’s find

Teaching Bravely Supplies

Bible

Puppy PointersSupplies

CD playerTheo puppet tapeTeacher PackCD: “Here, Theo” (track 4)

megaphone

Puppy PointersEasy Prep

Assemble the megaphone, and tape it to Theo’s paw (also see Center 3).


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out what it is. Play “Here, Theo” (track 4 on the CD), and bring out Theophilus the FaithRetriever.

Theo: Hi, everybody!Teacher: Hello, Theo! It’s so good to see you at church with us today. What do you have there?Theo: It’s a megaphone.Teacher: Why did you bring your megaphone with you today?Theo: It helps me speak louder.Teacher: Why do you need to speak louder, Theo?Theo: Sometimes I have important things to say and I want to make sure people hear me. Teacher: That’s very brave of you—to say something loudly for a whole group of people to hear.Theo: Thanks! I heard something on my way here today that sounded pretty important. Want to hear it? Teacher: I do. Friends, do you? (Allow time for kids to answer.)Theo: Okay. Here goes…(Shouting through the megaphone) Jesus loves you!Teacher: Thanks, Theo. You were brave to share such an important thing through the megaphone! And we’re learning about that, too. Kids, can you tell Theo our Bible Point for today?(Lead children in saying the Bible Point for Theo: WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS.)Theo: Wow! Maybe I should let you all borrow my megaphone so you all can tell others about Jesus.Teacher: That sounds like a great idea! Friends, let’s say goodbye to Theo.

Encourage the children to wave or say goodbye to Theo. Then put Theo away in a safe place for next week’s use.


Ask: n What’s something important you could use the megaphone to say? n What’s something important you could use the megaphone to say about

Jesus?

Say: Theo likes using his megaphone so he can tell important things—and everyone will hear him. We know a lot of important things about Jesus that we want others to hear, but sometimes people don’t want to hear about Jesus. WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS when we tell even those people about Jesus.

Bible Time: Truth That Hurts

What You’ll Do Open your Bible to Acts 6, and show the children the words. Tell children that the Bible is God’s special book. Say: The Bible tells us that WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS. A

Bible Time: Truth That Hurts Supplies

BibleMy Bible HugscrayonsCD PlayerTeacher PackCD: “Truth That Hurts” (track 15)

Bible Time: Truth That Hurts Easy Prep

Remove the Lesson 12 pages from each My Bible Hugs student book, and write children’s names on them.

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man named Stephen was brave when he told others about Jesus. But some people didn’t want to hear about Jesus.

Give each child a My Bible Hugs page. Then say: As I tell you about Stephen, you’ll color each picture—wait to color each part until I tell you to color.

Stephen was a good man. God allowed him to do miracles, and people were healed by God. Point to the picture that shows someone who was just healed. Color the crutches because Stephen healed sick and hurt people. Allow time. Stephen prayed, too. Point to the picture that shows Stephen praying. Have kids color the lamb next to the praying Stephen. Stephen read the Bible. Have kids color the scroll Stephen is reading. Stephen helped give food to hungry people. Have kids color the bread and fish Stephen is giving to the people. Stephen could talk to anyone about God. Have kids color Stephen telling others about Jesus.

Some people got angry when Stephen told them the truth about Jesus.

Let’s hear some things Stephen said. When I give a thumbs up, that means Stephen is speaking. When I give a thumbs down, that means the other people are speaking. Play the “Truth That Hurts’’ (track 15 on the CD), and show thumbs up and thumbs down at the appropriate times to help kids follow. Then say: Some people didn’t want to hear what Stephen said about Jesus. They didn’t want to listen to him, even though he was saying something very important.


Ask: n Tell about a time someone didn’t listen to you. n Why do you want others to hear about Jesus?

Say: Stephen told the truth about Jesus even though the people didn’t want to hear. But nothing could stop Stephen from telling other people about Jesus. WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS, just as Stephen was.

4 WEAVING FAITH INTO LIFE

Choose at least two of the learning centers to help reinforce today’s Bible lesson. Gather the needed materials, and put the supplies in an out-of-sight area until you’re ready for them. Allow the children to choose which center they’d like to explore first. Then circulate among the children as they create and explore. Encourage them to make connections between their activities and the Bible by asking them the questions included with each center’s description.


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CENTER 1:

Invitation Celebration

What You’ll Do Say: We’re learning that WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS. We know that Jesus is wonderful. He loves us so much. He died so we can be friends with him. But sometimes we might meet people who don’t seem to like Jesus. They might even say they don’t want to be our friends if we love Jesus. In times like that, we can be brave for Jesus. We don’t need to be afraid because we know Jesus is always with us.

Today we’ll be brave and send out invitations to invite people to church—maybe even people who don’t love Jesus yet. Give children each an invitation, and write their names on the appropriate line. Tell the children to draw pictures of themselves and then decorate the borders. After kids finish, help them fold their invitations and place them in envelopes that the church can mail out or hand deliver to a few homes near your church.

Say: You’re so brave to send invitations to invite people to church. And I know when new people come to church, you’ll be brave as you meet them!


Ask: n What’s scary about inviting people to church? n What’ll you do to show you’re brave when new people come to church?

Say: WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS—we’re brave to invite people to church, we’re brave to meet new people, and we’re brave to share what we know about Jesus so all people can be friends with Jesus, too.

CENTER 2:

Bravery Snacks

What You’ll Do Have children wash their hands and then sit down for the snack. Give each child a flour tortilla. Show the children how to roll their tortillas into a cone shape like the megaphone Theo had. Then say: We know Jesus wants us to be brave. We can be brave for him by telling people about him. We can also be brave by standing up for people when others are mean to them. We can also be brave by doing the right thing when other people aren’t doing the right thing. Encourage the children to say, “We’re brave for Jesus!’’ through their megaphones. Give each child a small cup filled with apple butter, and let the kids enjoy dipping their tortillas in the apple butter as they play with and eat their tortilla megaphones.

Center 1: Invitation Celebration Supplies

1 envelope per childpencrayonscraft suppliesTeacher Packinvitation

Center 1: Invitation Celebration Easy Prep

Complete the general information on the invitation, but don’t fill in the children’s names. Make enough copies for each child to have one.

Center 2: Bravery Snacks Supplies

1 flour tortilla and 1 small cup per child

apple butterantibacterial gel (optional)

! ALLERGY ALERT

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Talk With Kids Say: Megaphones help get the word out about important things, and they show other people we’re sure of what we want to say. Whether we’re brave by telling others about Jesus, by being helpful to someone who’s hurting, or by doing the right thing, WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS all the time.

CENTER 3:

Jesus Parade

What You’ll Do Say: We can always be brave for Jesus! Stand up and put your hands on your hips to show confidence. I believe in Jesus and I’m proud to tell others about him. Stand up if you believe in Jesus. Allow time. I’m not afraid! Stand like me if you aren’t afraid. Allow time. You’re brave to help someone when others aren’t being nice. Pretend you’re helping someone up, and have kids do the same. That makes us brave for Jesus because he asks us to love others. You’re brave for Jesus by doing the right thing. Pretend you’re saying “no” with me when someone asks you to do something you’re not supposed to do. Demonstrate and have kids do the same. You’re also brave to say what you believe, even if people don’t believe the same. I believe in Jesus! Say it with me. Have kids repeat. I’m brave for Jesus! Have kids repeat this with you.

Give each child a megaphone, and say: WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS by showing his love. Let’s have a Jesus parade to show we’re brave for him in all these ways. Play “Share the Love’’ (track 16 on the CD) to the tune of “Joy, Joy, Joy,” and encourage children to sing the words through the megaphones and parade around the room. Remind kids that there are lots of ways we can be brave for Jesus.

I want to share the love of Jesus Christ with you. (point to a friend)Jesus loves you! (point to another friend)Jesus loves you! (point to another friend)I want to share the love of Jesus Christ with you. (point to another friend)Jesus loves you today. (point to another friend)And I’m so happy, so very happy,That Jesus loves you, that Jesus loves you.And I’m so happy, so very happy.That Jesus loves you today.(Repeat.)


Ask: n What’s it like to sing about Jesus in a group? n How can that help you be brave?

Say: We can be brave for Jesus by showing his love in many ways. We can do

Center 3: Jesus Parade Supplies

CD playerTeacher Pack CD: “Share the Love” (track 16)

megaphone

Center 3: Jesus ParadeEasy Prep

Before assembling the megaphone for the “Puppy Pointers” activity, copy the page. Then make 1 megaphone per child.


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the right thing, help hurt people, and tell others about Jesus. However we do it, WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS—when we’re with others, Jesus helps us be brave.

CENTER 4:

Bravery Challenge

What You’ll Do Say: Our Bible point tells us that WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS—like Stephen was when he told others about Jesus. It might’ve been scary for Stephen because people were mean to him. What are some things you’re scared of? Allow time. Thanks for sharing! I’m scared of some of those things, too. But I know we can always be brave because Jesus is always with us!

Let’s take a bravery challenge. Will all of you be brave with me as I try a few scary things? Pause. I’m scared of the dark. Will all of you be brave with me if I turn the lights out for 10 seconds? Check that kids are comfortable with the idea before you do it. Then turn the lights out and count to 10. Turn the lights back on. Then say: You all were so brave! Let’s try another challenge. I’m afraid of falling and hurting myself. Will you fall back and let someone catch you? Pause. The catch is—you’ll close your eyes. Have kids try the challenge while you catch them. It can be scary to fall when you don’t know if someone will catch you, but you all were very brave.

Thanks for trying these challenges with me—you helped me know I can be brave! And if we can be brave with things like this, I know we can be brave for Jesus.


Ask: n Tell about a time you did something scary. n What scares you about being brave for Jesus?

Say: You all were so brave with our challenges. And I know that you can be brave for Jesus, too. The next time something seems scary, remember that WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS because we know he’s always with us!

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5 LASTING IMPRESSIONS

Daily Challenges

What You’ll Do After the children have cleaned up their centers, bring everyone back to a circle area on the floor. Review the lesson activities and the Bible Point, and then encourage the children to share what they remember about what they learned from the Bible today.

Also use this time to challenge kids in their faith. Encourage them to choose a Daily Challenge for applying today’s lesson to their lives this week. Use this challenge for encouraging your children’s growing relationships with Jesus.

Talk With Kids Say: Today we learned that WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS. I would like each of you to choose a way that you can be brave for Jesus by sharing about him this week.

Read the three Daily Challenge ideas for children to choose from: n Do the right thing if someone asks you to do something you know you

shouldn’t do. Then thank Jesus for helping you be brave. n Ask your mom or dad to help you try something new this week, like

something on the playground. Before you try it, ask Jesus to help you be brave.

n Introduce yourself to someone new, and invite that person to church.

Have kids each whisper in your ear or tell you which idea they’ve chosen, and then circle it on each child’s My Bible Hugs page. Make sure you tell kids the challenge you choose. Your commitment will inspire children and will give them an opportunity to see God at work in your life as well as in theirs!

Action Prayer

What You’ll Do Have the children sit in a circle. Have kids make a megaphone with their hands and say, “I’m brave for Jesus!” Then have them repeat the following prayer.

Dear God,Thank you for helping me be brave. I know Jesus is strong and he’s always with me.I know I can try new things.I know I can do the right thing.

Daily ChallengesSupplies

My Bible Hugs


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I know I can tell others about you.I love you, Jesus.In Jesus’ name, amen.

Say: Remember, WE’RE BRAVE FOR JESUS because we know he’s the best gift ever!

Weaving Faith at HomeHave children take home their My Bible Hugs pages whether they worked on them or not. Have the children tell their parents the challenge they committed to in the “Daily Challenges” activity. Encourage the parents to help their kids fulfill this commitment throughout the week. By working together and focusing on the same goals, you and parents can help children weave faith into their lives!

Talk to your Director about emailing the FREE FamilyConnect to all your church’s families. Available at group.com/digital.

stephen forgives his accusers as they stone him

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